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Dr. Heather LaChance talks about recognizing stress and trauma in kids and teens
Kids Stress
Childhood stress is more prevalent than many realize. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America™ survey, teens aged 13 to 17 experience stress levels comparable to adults. On a scale of 1 to 10, teens reported an average stress level of 5.8 during the school year, significantly higher than the healthy level of 3.9. Even during the summer, their stress levels remained elevated at 4.6.
Signs of Stress in Children
- Stomach aches
- Frequent headaches
- Acne
- Dizziness
- Bowel issues
- Bedwetting
- Increased frequency of colds or illnesses
- Clinginess
- Changes in schoolwork quality
- New habits
- Altered sleep patterns
- Mood swings
- Increased dishonesty
- Changes in eating habits
Causes of Childhood Stress
Childhood stress can stem from various sources, including:
- Academic pressure (schoolwork and exams)
- Overloaded schedules
- Peer relationships and friendships
- Family dynamics
- Media influences
- Relationship issues
- Social media interactions
Children may also experience internal pressure as they navigate their identities and understand their place in the world.
Stress can be exacerbated by
- Marital challenges at home
- Family illness or neglect
- Financial worries and poverty
- High expectations for achievement
- Exposure to violence or trauma in the community
- Stressful conversations among parents, friends, or through media
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How to Support a Stressed Child
- Listen Attentively: Make time to listen quietly and attentively to help your child feel validated and understood.
- Hold Space for Emotions: Be a compassionate and nonjudgmental presence as your child expresses their feelings. Encourage them to articulate their emotions through words, drawings, or movement.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits, such as, “When you feel angry, don’t touch anyone or anything,” or “Would running up and down the hall help?”
- Encourage Problem-Solving: Instead of jumping to conclusions, help your child develop problem-solving skills by reflecting on what you’ve heard and asking exploratory questions.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversations by asking questions like, “How are you feeling?” or “What was your day like?” Invite them to elaborate with prompts like, “Tell me more.”
- Reflect Emotions: Acknowledge and validate their feelings by saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling really angry (or sad, hurt, worried, etc.).”
- Explore Solutions Together: Ask your child what they think might have caused their feelings and discuss potential solutions, assuring them you are there to help if they want it.
Symptoms of Childhood Depression
Childhood depression differs from stress. While prolonged stress can contribute to depression, it is characterized by an ongoing sense of sadness that disrupts daily life. If your child’s mood persists and interferes with their functioning, consider consulting a healthcare professional. Remember that childhood depression is often overlooked, as children may be seen as “moody” or just “typical teenagers.” Given the concerning rise in childhood suicide over the past decade, it’s crucial to seek evaluation when necessary.
Signs of Depression in Children Include:
- Persistent sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Heightened emotional sensitivity
- Changes in sleep patterns (either too much or too little)
- Chronic physical issues (e.g., pain, stomach aches, rashes, serious acne)
- Withdrawal from activities or increased acting out
- Avoidance of school or disciplinary problems
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
- Thoughts of death or suicide
For more information on Self-harm, click here to read an important blog about preventing and supporting those who might be experiencing self-harm
